CC Sabathia’s troubled right knee was no issue in his first start in 11 days. The soon-to-be 39-year-old’s first start back from the injured list was nearly as strong.
Making his return from another bout of inflammation in his right knee — requiring a cortisone injection, and fluid drained — Sabathia matched his longest start of the season, and recorded a season-high eight strikeouts over six innings, while allowing three runs, and suffering his first loss since April 30 in Sunday night’s 8-5 setback to the Red Sox.
Sabathia (3-2), who was seeking his 250th career win, entered as the first pitcher from either side of the rivalry to win six consecutive decisions since Ron Guidry (1977-79), and hadn’t lost to the Red Sox in nine straight starts, which was tied for the longest unbeaten run by a starter against the Red Sox in the past 25 years.